Bowing Down

(HT: Don Fields)

This is an excerpt from Unceasing Worship: Biblical Perspectives on Worship and the Arts by Harold M. Best, pp. 180-181.

Artistic culture is a vast expanse.  Deep within its workings, it is also seamless, even in the face of vivid differences between, say, grunge rock and Renaissance motets or street rap and Milton’s poetry.  It is especially important for Christians to see it this way, because this is surely the way God sees it.  Just as he is no respecter of persons, so he is no respecter of styles.  He does not love the Baroque artifactual signature any more than that of the South Pacific Rim.  Nor would he prefer, if he were a dancer, the polka over the hora.  He is Lord of diversity, Creator of the human imagination and Master of every one of its artistic ways.  His lines of demarcation are based on faith or its absence, authentic worship or inauthentic worship.  His call to excellence is based on how we are becoming better than we were yesterday more than how we place in a static aesthetic hierarchy.  A Bach cantata is no more a musical password into his favor than a Zulu harvest song or an Indian raga.  When the Scriptures call out to the nations to rejoice, they do not call for an artistic Esperanto, a colorless and hypothetical language, a test-tube Pentecost.  Nor do they call out to a panel of artistic experts to determine what might please the King of kings.  They call out to the many cultures to use their instruments, their tongues, their shapes, textures and gestures, their vivid twists and turns.  God is happy with the plethora.  He loves its faith-driven clamor and hilarious tintinnabulation.  It comes to him from everywhere and from all times, translated into eternal speech by the blessed Paraclete, in whom groans, mutterings, silence, singing, dancing, shaping, masterpieces and pastiches make up a transfigured jubilee.

It is only a secular or paganized culture that chooses to divide people on the basis of their artistic preferences and choices.  It is a spiritually connected culture that takes cultural differences, works through the tensions that they may create and comes to the blessed condition of mixing and reconciling them and of stewarding their increase and growth.  It is therefore not amusing to hear about how we are to embrace the poor, eat and drink with sinners and cross racial and ethnic lines, only to find out that leadership, back home in the safety of the local fortress, is afraid to do the analogous kind of embracing when it comes to the arts and to the commingling of their styles.  “Not in my style” may really and truly mean “Not my kind of people,” except when it comes time for the yearly youth group trip to Mexico or the occasional spade turnings for another habitat.  Why do we go outside the church to diversify when we fail to do so within it?

If this resonates in your spirit as it does mine, buy the book.  There is much, much more to glean.

My friend Bob Kauflin and his pastor Josh Harris discuss the recent use of Shout to the Lord on the television program American Idol. Here are a couple of excerpts:

First from Bob–

In the positive column, someone watching ”Shout to the Lord” on American Idol might be led by God’s Spirit to download the song, or even to start going to church again. They might hear the Gospel and be gloriously converted, all due to hearing “Shout to the Lord” in one of the most unlikely places. For that potential, I praise and thank God.

But there’s a dark side. There’s something paradoxical about worship songs being sung on prime time TV by people who don’t know why Jesus came. Does the world see any difference between what’s taking place on American Idol and what we do on Sunday mornings? Has worship become part of the entertainment culture? It’s unsettling when Christian songs or worship leaders are acclaimed by the masses. Jesus said in Luke 6:26, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” He also said, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Mt. 15:8). Both verses temper my unbridled enthusiasm.

So I had two more thoughts. First, we need to do everything we can to sing and promote songs in the church that clearly, biblically, passionately, and faithfully proclaim the one and only Savior - his work, his words, and his worthiness. Along with songs that express our love for the Savior, we need to sing songs that “teach and admonish” (Col. 3:16), that celebrate and rehearse the foundations of our faith and fill out our vague conceptions of God with clear, theologically informed biblical truths.

Second, we we need to live in such a way that it’s clear being a Christian is more than giving money to worthy causes and being emotionally moved as we sing songs of every genre together. We want to do all we can to ensure that those who walk into our meetings see clearly that we’re not a local version of American Idol.

From Josh–

As I’ve read various comments people seem to fall into two different camps. Some Christians are upset—because they left out Jesus, because non-Christians were singing a song of “praise”, because it was all about money, because it’s another example of Christianity being “censored.” Other Christians are elated—because they put Jesus back in, because a praise song was heard by millions of people, because they see this as incredible evangelistic platform.

I guess I’m not really at home with either group. With all due respect, I don’t think that having a song like Shout to the Lord sung (even though I like it) is going to usher in revival. This reminds me of the fervor before the movie The Passion of the Christ was released. People spoke about this movie as if it was the ultimate opportunity for the gospel to advance. I don’t think it was. Was I glad that it was released? Sure. But I think that it’s too easy for Christians to think that any moment in the media spotlight on TV or in film is a bigger deal than it really is. We should welcome any opportunity for media to help spread the good news about Jesus, but I don’t think we should put too much stock in that vehicle. The gospel is going to advance as it always has—steadily as it is clearly proclaimed by believers in their words and modeled by their lives and actions. The gospel advances as local congregations receive and live God’s word for their neighbors to see.

What do you think?

I want to encourage my readers to check out my friend Mark Culton’s new blog, A Recovering Fundamentalist.  Here is how Mark describes his site:

It is all about trying to live a life of unswerving faith in Christ and His Word while maintaining a spirit of grace and charity. For me, this involves consideration for how my fundamentalist background plays into this.

Some of you who receive this email joyfully consider yourself fundamentalists. Some of you would resent being called by that label. Others of you may have one foot in fundamentalism and the other in evangelicalism. Still others of you may care less about any of this - in which case you can disregard the blog.

However, for those of you who are interested in honest, charitable discussion about the state of the church and the gigantic gap between evangelicalism and fundamentalism, please check out the blog.

In our search for God’s next ministry location for us, my family is starting to get “faith pains.”  My kids are asking me several times a day, “Dad, did [name of church] call today?”  “What about [name of church]?”  Last night, my wife looked up at me and said “I don’t think I like waiting very much.”  Of course, as the unwavering spiritual leader of the family, I give them all the exhortation they need to continue to trust and not be anxious. [false piety intended]

What I don’t tell them is that Brian gets the “faith pains” too.  Even though the Lord has given us some very positive experiences through this process, the waiting doesn’t get any easier.

Part of the problem is that we are so accustomed to instant gratification.  We live in a society that demands such immediacy.  Particularly in our cities, the “rush hour” is a misnomer; our real problem is a “rush” lifestyle as we scurry from one event to the other.  When we are forced to a standstill, by traffic jams or extreme weather, we get angry.  We call it “road rage”; God calls it sin.

Recently, I had the privilege to visit a rural section of the Midwest.  As I drove through miles and miles of countryside filled with fields of corn and soybeans, I started reflecting on the differences between that culture and the culture in which I currently live.  There is a patience and a calmness in people from “the country” that people from “the city” can learn a great deal from.  Many of the people in this particular area are still involved in farming.  Now there’s an occupation with some history!!  I didn’t know much about the particulars of farming so I asked lots of questions.  Although with the advancement of technology, farming has made incredible strides, it is still a job that requires patience.  Seed can only be planted so quickly.  Corn will only grow so quickly.  Flooding, drought, bugs, and animals can slow and even destroy productivity. 

A city boy would be greatly frustrated.  “Why does it take so long to grow?”  “Why are the work days so long”  “Can’t you make that tractor go faster?”  “You do all this FOR CORN?!”

The farmer will just smile and continue with his work.  You can’t hurry the work of God.  He establishes the timing.  He brings the sun and the rain.  It’s just the way things are supposed to be.

It’s interesting how at different times in our lives certain biblical characters give us needed hope and guidance.  For some going through deep waters, the testimony of Job is significant.  For those needing to be inspired by the huge task ahead, Nehemiah provides a sterling example.  For me, right now, Abraham’s my guy.

Of course, I know the stories of Abraham–have since I was small.  But now, in a sense, I’m walking in his shoes:

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8, NKJV)

I could put my name right in there with Abraham.  The Lord is leading.  I am obeying.  I haven’t a clue where I’m going.  And…

I believe God.  I really do.  I firmly believe not only in his all-encompassing knowledge but also in his personalized plan for my life.  I am so excited for what He has for me.

I’m sure there were times when Noah paused from his ark-building to wonder when the rain would fall.  I’m sure Moses looked up to God and wondered how much longer they would wander in a desolate wilderness.  And I’m sure that there were times that Abraham wondered where God was taking him.  I wonder too.

But what marks followers of the one true God is that we continue to trust, we continue to follow, we continue to obey.  It’s called faith.  We don’t have to know the end of the story right now.  We just have to know the One Who has already been there and Who is leading us there step-by-step.

I think I know why I enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the “country.”  It’s because God has called me to be a shepherd.  I can’t wait to meet my next flock!

I recently saw this video and thought it would be good to share with my readers.  This takes the testimony of Kirk Cameron and couples it with the teaching of Dr. John MacArthur in a clear presentation of the Gospel, the good news, about Jesus Christ.  This is what my life is all about: promoting and preaching this message.

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, not only because I enjoy the holiday music and gift-giving and festive spirit but chiefly because of its reminder of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ.  It is one of the most profound times of wonder and worship in my calendar.

However, there is no doubt in my mind that the most wonderful time of the year is what we Christians celebrate this Sunday: the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  It is the highlight of the Christian year.  Without the Lord’s resurrection, there would be no Christianity, at least not true Christianity.  A religion might have come into being following the teachings of a very good, but very dead prophet, Jesus of Nazareth.  But the hope, the confidence, the joy of eternal life only comes from the One who possesses and offers such life.  Of course the New Testament says it best:

Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:12-20, NKJV)

There is much more I could say on this, but again Scripture does it far better than I:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3-5, NKJV)

I often try to remind our congregation as we gather on Sunday mornings that the very reason we meet on Sunday morning is to commemorate the Resurrection.  We should remember and celebrate it each Sunday.  However, the truth of the resurrection should always remind us of another truth: the certainty of His imminent return.

So, just as the amazed disciples stared into the clouds after Jesus ascended into Heaven, we would all do well to pause to look upward this Sunday and every Sunday.  Perhaps this will be the day!  Even so, come Lord Jesus, our RISEN SAVIOR!  We look with love for your appearing!

A man’s heart plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV)

Growing up, I always had a plan.  I would become a preacher.  A missionary.  An evangelist.  A secret agent.  Whatever the boy in me thought was the most important, the most exciting–these were my pursuits and dreams.

When I was 14 years old, I lived in Scotland with my parents, who were missionaries.  We took a trip that summer to visit missionary friends in Europe.  My plan became to be a missionary to France.

In college, I was exposed to urban ministry and how God was working in the city.  My plan became to be a church-planter in the great cities of America.

As I grew, the plans became more elaborate and researched.  The determinations became more serious and focused.

I never became a missionary to France.  I never started a church in an inner city.  I never trained to be a secret agent.  My plans were in shambles.  There were times I questioned myself about planning at all.

But along the way, I learned some valuable lessons about life, particularly the life of a follower of Christ.  I learned that WHAT I would do or WHERE I would go was not nearly as important as WHY I would do it and WHOM I would do it for.

As a young man, I had great dreams about what I could do for God.  Everything was about having the biggest and best ministry with the most impact and renown.  And sincerely, my dreams were about what could be done for God, not myself.  But they were my plans.  And I’m not sovereign or omniscient.  Not a bit.

I still make plans.  I believe in setting goals and trying to achieve them.  I want to recognize my strengths and God-given abilities and develop them and use them in the most efficient way possible.  But God changes things–sometimes when I least expect it.  And I’ve learned that’s okay.  In fact, I love to be surprised by God.  He always gives good gifts.

So, here I sit, one week after giving my last update on the latest plans I have: to become a senior pastor.  I have no doubt that God is in this transition in my life.  And though I wait on His perfect will for my life, I am not anxious.  Not at all.  He is showing me that He will direct my paths.  He is eliminating churches from consideration, and bringing new ones into my view.  In fact, I’m even having some initial discussion now with a church that wasn’t even on my radar until this week.

It’s exciting, this living by faith.  I never know what the next day, the next phone call, may bring.  But I know the One who knew about it when He formed me in my mother’s womb.

How can I not rest in His care? 

There are literally hundreds of churches looking for pastors.  It is really sad.  I had no idea there was such a dearth of church leadership in our country.  Of course, many of these men are retiring about a long tenure of leading their church.  Some, however, are leaving over moral failures.

I have been a bit particular here at the beginning where I send my resume.  I am completely dependent on the Lord’s leading through this process but am also trying to think clearly and practically as well.  I am primarily sending my resume to Baptist or Bible churches that have a philosophy of ministry I identify with.  I am also looking primarily for churches that employ blended worship, a mix of the old and new.  I am looking for churches whose members appear to be actively engaged in ministry, where prayer is prominent, where love is the prevailing spirit.  Obviously, I am not considering churches whose doctrinal statement would conflict with my understanding of Scripture.  I am also not looking for churches embroiled in conflict over matters of opinion like Bible translations, etc.

So far, I have contacted 14 churches directly, stretching from California to Virginia to Florida to Massachusetts.  Of these 14, two are no longer in consideration.  I am praying daily for the leadership and search teams in the remaining 12 churches that God will give clear direction to both of us.  I have also posted my resume on several websites including www.churchjobs.net, www.churchstaffing.com, and www.pastorfinder.com. 

In this period of waiting on the Lord, I am doing all I can do to be as prepared as possible for my new church family.  I am doing a great deal of reading and reviewing, both in areas of church leadership as well as in general biblical studies.  Of course, I am also striving to be faithful in my current ministry and preparing here for a smooth transition.

I have received literally hundreds of pieces of encouragement, from my church family and from you all around the country.  Thanks for that!  It is both a blessing and an affirmation to us. 

Ten and a half weeks to go!  Keep praying for us!